Fugitives of Chaos

After reading John C. Wright's first "Chaos" installment, I was impressed enough to check out the second part - Fugitives of Chaos. It was definitely worth it. While it took a while for me to get into the first book, I realize now that the characters and their motivations had to be fleshed out enough so you could somehow empathize with these otherworldy children. I'm glad Wright took the time, because I really enjoyed watching as the five main characters continued to mature over the course of this book. Actually, saying they were forced to mature is more appropos in this instance I think.

While the multiple names are still at times a bit confusing, there is a handy name reference chart in the front of the book (something that would have show more really helped with the first novel, though I completely understand its omission). And the fact that Wright has crafted characters you care more and more about as the story progresses really helps.

Another thing that I really liked is Wright's clever use of well-established myths and legends. He doesn't hit you over head with them, but for those familiar with them, a smile is sure to grow when you read their names. And if you found Beowulf a tiring introduction to Epics (not that I ever did), you're apt to find an new appreciation for that classic tale. I want to see what else Wright has up his sleeve, so I've short-tracked the final book in the series to the upper levels of my reading pile. Besides, with a cliffhanger ending like this book had, I have to know how the story ends! show less

Astonishingly great continuation of a new instant-classic sf series -- except it's even better than that, it's science-fiction, myth, fantasy and sorcery series all mixed consistently and plausibly into one. A strongly moral tale, beautifully written, this book and its prequel and sequel are jaw-droppingly sensational. I know over-praise can kill a book, but this new series from Wright just might be immune to that meme. I thought he was pretty hot stuff when The Golden Age came out, and even though that series got a little muddled by the end, it marked him as a standout writer. Now, with the Chaos series, Wright has leapt not just into but perhaps beyond the big leagues. I don't know of another writer who could make a story this show more intricate and multivalent seem so breezy and uncontrived. A bow to a new Master of SF. show less

In the continuing adventures of Amelia Windrose and her companions, the flaws of this book are the flaws of the middle book of a series. Having almost escaped from their Olympian jailers in the first book, there is a slight feel of been there/done that about a good chunk of the plot, as another escape is mounted. There are also moments when the escape felt too much like a point & click puzzle game, and if you've read this novel you'll know exactly what segments I'm talking about. Finally, there were a few too many data dumps for my liking, as the young godlings try to figure out what their powers might be, and what chances they might take.

However, I'm still impressed with the character of Amelia, as this series remains very much her show more story, and I look forward to seeing how Wright resolves the tangled situation he has created. show less

Man, such a solid middle-of-the-trilogy book. Like the first book, full of gods and maths and theory and how much it pretty much sucks to be a young adult trying to figure themselves out. Only no angst, just intelligence and a little pouting.I actually went and bought this book and the third one right after finishing the first. Very addictive story, very epic.

(Alistair) And now, the next book in the Chronicles of Chaos, in which our orphan protagonists finally manage to escape from their boarding school/prison, learn more about how they, the universe, and its politics actually work, take a cruise, and SPOILER.

Well, firstly just about everything I said about Orphans of Chaos applies, only more so. The mythology in particular flows thick and fast, and if you didn't have at least some grasp of Greek mythology in particular before reading this book, you're probably going to find yourself floundering at some point or other.

(We pause briefly while your booklogger mourns for those days when any educated person would be expected to understand such references, and then continues.)

Characterization and show more pacing only improves from last time (when they were no slouch) as we get to know those involved better, and the plot advances. Absolutely excellent books, these. Cannot recommend too highly.
( http://weblog.siliconcerebrate.com/cerebrate/2007/11/fugitives-of-chaos-john-c-w... ) show less

This is a fast-paced book involving humans that realize that they're not what they seem, with frequent references to ancient mythology. Second in a series, this book has more fantasy and less school than the previous book.

In book two I'm finally getting to the point where I can keep everyone straight. It's a wonderful mish-mash of mythology, but there are a lot of characters and everyone has about fifteen names.